Waterman by Jason Self: April 2011

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Guided Kayak Fishing 2011

This year I've decided to run two 4 day kayak fishing trips in the San Juan Islands, WA, during lingcod season.

The first trip is set for Thursday May 26th through Sunday May 29th, and is for those wanting to fish from sea kayaks. We'll focus on fishing for lingcod with hand lines while multi-day touring. We'll establish base camp on Jones Island, off the SW corner of Orcas Island and learn the skills necessary to do a multi-day sea kayak fishing trip of your own. We'll cover more miles and be a bit more exposed to conditions than the resort based trip in June. Your guides, meals, camp fees, tackle, and hand lines are included in the price. Kayaks & paddling gear can be provided at no additional cost to you if necessary. You will need to supply your own camping gear, toiletries, personal items, and purchase a Washington fishing license.

The second trip is scheduled the following week; Thursday June 2nd through Sunday, June 5th, and is for those wanting to fish from sit-on-top kayaks. For this trip we'll establish base camp at West Beach Resort on the NW side of Orcas Island. On this trip fishing is the main pursuit and will occupy the vast majority of our time in the San Juans. Camping at West Beach offers amenities such as hot showers, running water, flush toilets, and a small store on sight with latte's & ice cream....less rustic than the May trip and perfect for those more interested in catching fish than back country camping. Camping at West Beach allows us to have vehicles, which allow us to find places to fish even when the wind is blowing hard & currents are uncooperative. We'll use them to get to different fishing locations so we spend more time fishing and less time paddling to where we need to be to catch fish. Your guides, meals, camp fees, tackle, and hand lines are included in the price. Kayaks & paddling gear can be provided at no additional cost to you if necessary. You will need to supply your own rod & reel, camping gear, toiletries, personal items, and purchase a Washington fishing license. Wall tents with queen size beds and cabins are available through West Beach Resort for an additional fee.

Cost for both trips is $650/person. Basic kayaking skills are required. One of the great things about fishing saltwater in the San Juans is there is no/very limited swell. There is current and potential for wind however, and your trip will be more enjoyable if you have a some previous kayaking experience. If you don't, it's no problem, we can arrange a lesson for you prior to the trip.